In the Company of Women Awards
On March 5, 2026, the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade, in partnership with the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women and Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces, proudly hosted the 37th annual In The Company of Women Awards. This year’s time-honored Women’s History Month event featured a refreshed, elegant cocktail-style reception.. It was especially meaningful that the celebration took place at the Westchester Cultural Arts Center, situated directly on the grounds of Tropical Park, one of Miami-Dade County’s most popular public parks. The evening honored 9 exceptional women leaders for their inspiring contributions to Miami-Dade County. The 2026 honorees included:
- Natalia Crujeiras (Arts, Culture, and Communications)
- Director Christina Crespi (Business and Economics)
- Dr. Latha Chandran (Education, Health, and Innovation)
- Honorable Natalie Milian Orbis (Government and Law, Elected)
- Alissa Turtletaub (Government and Law, Non-Elected)
- Janelle Marzouka (Sports and Athletics)
- Dara Schoenwald (Community Spirit)
- Geri Bonzon-Keenan and Teri Williams (Mayor’s Pioneer Award)
Every Day is Earth Day at Miami-Dade Parks
On April 25, 2026, Miami-Dade County Parks hosted its annual Earth Day event at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne. Featured as part of the Miami-Dade 250 campaign, the volunteer-led initiative brought the community together to support coastal conservation. Volunteers restored critical dune ecosystems to defend against erosion and storm surge. Participants introduced deep-rooted native plants and studied local pollinators. Volunteer teams cleared beach trash and identified invasive vegetation harming the landscape. The day anchored a month-long series of environmental initiatives countywide, including Baynanza, tree giveaways, and EEL preserve workdays. Every day is Earth Day at Miami-Dade Parks!
Parks Foundation Helps Girls Get in the Game
Fully funded by the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade, the 5th Annual Girls Got Game brought girls ages 6–17 together at Tropical Park Stadium on February 7, 2026, for a day of sports, teamwork and confidence-building in celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. The Miami-Dade Parks signature event gave participants the opportunity to explore golf, netball, soccer, hockey, volleyball and more through hands-on clinics led by coaches and athletes in a supportive environment designed to encourage physical activity, teamwork and confidence.
Parks Foundation President Caroline O’Connor joined the event and spoke with participants, bringing a particularly meaningful perspective as President of Business for the Miami Marlins. As a woman in a prominent leadership role in professional sports, O’Connor offered participants a powerful example of the many paths available to women in sports and encouraged them to pursue their own goals with confidence.
Through Girls Got Game, the Parks Foundation continues its commitment to creating opportunities for young people to get active, build confidence and envision themselves as the next generation of leaders.
4th of July and National Park and Recreation Month: Celebrating our nation and the people who provide its park experiences
Every July 4, Miami‑Dade County Parks joins forces with the Parks Foundation to host a free, inclusive, public celebration at Tropical Park. This event marks the kickoff of National Parks & Recreation Month and brings the community together with live entertainment, courtesy of our media partner, Univision, food trucks, a Family Fun Zone, and a spectacular fireworks finale. It’s a day to honor independence and unity—inviting everyone to experience their parks and embrace what they offer all year long.
Love-In: Let Love Rule
Each year, the Parks Foundation joins Miami-Dade County Parks in supporting the Love-In Music Festival at historic Greynolds Park—a nod to the 1960s “love-ins” that once brought Miami’s flower children to this iconic site atop the observation mound. Since its debut in 2004, this beloved classic‑rock celebration invites the community to enjoy live performances from local and national acts, costume contests, food, and family fun—all amid 249 acres of hardwood hammock and mangrove forest, one of the last protected natural areas in northern Miami‑Dade County. At the event, the Parks Foundation engages festivalgoers with information and inspiration, highlighting the importance of preserving these remaining natural spaces.
